The Impact of Wind Shear on Final Approach Glide Path

Authors

  • George A. Hazelrigg

Keywords:

Training and Safety, Meteorology, Aerodynamics

Abstract

It is commonly recognized that wind shear on final approach in a glider can cause the glider to land short of the planned touchdown point. This paper examines the impact of different wind shear profiles, and shows that the reason for this is determined not as much by the wind shear itself as by how the pilot reacts to the wind shear. Alternative strategies are presented that can enable the glider to reach or even pass the planned touchdown point. These strategies make use of varying airspeed as the glider encounters the shear.

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Published

2016-07-23

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Articles

License

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This paper is UNCLASSIFIED (for public reasons) and has been cleared by the appropriate agencies, company and government. This paper represents original work by the author(s). No portion of the material is covered by a prior copyright; or for any portion copyrighted, the author has obtained permission for its use.
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